Treat the partnership like a marriage – there’s no other option but to finish. You always finish and never walk away. The good ones keep you in the game.
Have a general idea (blue prints, architecture, etc.) before you start. Or just have a really open mind. Expectations need to match reality.
Pick a contractor that you like because they will be around. It is a testing process, but it needs to be a healthy relationship.
The only way to keep everyone honest is to document and detail.
Dear Homeowner,
Thank you for this great question. Hiring a contractor that is licensed and fully insured including workers compensation protects you as a homeowner. Ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company is established and has a good rating. Please NEVER pay a contractor in full before a project is complete. The average down payment is between 10% and 50% depending on the type of project. Finally, be sure you are very comfortable with your contractor. This working relationship must include great communication and will be vital to a successful outcome.
All The Best,
Rich Improvements, LLC
414-517-3106
You should vet your potential contractor (bonded, insured, references, previous work, etc.).
Plan out the whole project from beginning to end, before starting.
Talk to previous clients who have worked with your potential GC in the past. Appreciate that there are about 2,000 different elements being properly placed, like a puzzle, when building a new home, and you as the owner, don’t have to know about each and every one of them. Mainly, be well informed about the finishes, and those parts of the construction that you will see. Trust your builder and the inspectors who are making sure the project is being done properly, and if you have any questions, do ask them.
Don’t scrimp on design and hire from referral.
Talk to previous clients who have worked with your potential GC in the past. Appreciate that there are about 2,000 different elements being properly placed, like a puzzle, when building a new home, and you as the owner, don’t have to know about each and every one of them. Mainly, be well informed about the finishes, and those parts of the construction that you will see. Trust your builder and the inspectors who are making sure the project is being done properly, and if you have any questions, do ask them.
Hire a professional contractor
Must have good communication, be licensed, and insured.
Talk with a professional and reputable company do discuss a plan of action. Have a detailed construction agreement that outlines all costs and responsibilities.
Educate yourself about the project that you are about to invest the money in, so can make a sound hiring decision, and pick a contractor that can fulfill your expectations of quality, value, and execution of project itself.
Find a reputable contractor with good reviews, have an air tight contract, and make sure they are bonded, meaning they are insured and if you sue them they are backed.
PREPARE. Preparation is the key. In order to make a successful construction project, the entire project must be designed, specified, and detailed on paper first. This makes the job for the contractors easier, it makes their bidding simple, saves the client time and money. A stitch in time saves nine. The investment in a complete set of architectural design drawings will be rewarded during construction.
Clients should have all their ideas together when we bid the work, and the fewer change orders as we go forward, the better.
Talk to previous clients who have worked with your potential GC in the past. Appreciate that there are about 2,000 different elements being properly placed, like a puzzle, when building a new home, and you as the owner, don’t have to know about each and every one of them. Mainly be well informed about the finishes, and those parts of the construction that you will see. Trust your builder and the inspectors who are making sure the project is being done properly, and if you have any questions, do ask them.
Preparation is key. We will guide you through the entire process, but it’s your home and in order for you to be thrilled everyday with the results a clear outline of expectations and finished product is important. Don’t worry we do this sort of thing everyday and can help you.
only pay by percent complete and have a good contract that spells out everything that is going to be done